Crypto-currencies have soared in popularity. Bitcoin has now finds its way into mainstream news frequently. Over time, with each large gain Crypto-currencies make globally, it seems there's a government response, and it's usually not a positive one.
It's a message of rejection of the free market and individuals
Liberty
Financial institutions and regulators believe it's dangerous.
Well, here's what people have to say: We know Crypto is volatile. We know it could be used for money laundering. We are not stupid. We, as individuals, know and accept the risks. We pay the price if we are wrong, and nobody else.
Despite what regulators and bureaucrats think, individuals are capable of making decisions on their own.
The reason for centralized markets is that it is currently the most stable solution. i.e. the best. But Crypto is poised to change this. When given the choice, individuals, will always pick the best solution for themselves. Should the majority of individuals accept Crypto as a primary currency in a free market, this would suggest it is the best solution for society as a whole.
Free societies make the best choices. This is why freedom of speech is so important. To spread ideas and let the best one win.
And attempting to control the desires of the free market in the name of "protection" often leads to the opposite outcome. And if you want an example, look at the war on drugs or the prohibition on alcohol.
- We've only seen an increase in drug use, it's become more dangerous AND increased the spread of HIV.
- The prohibition on alcohol led to gang/mafia control, violence, and unsafe alcohol.
And if you want to understand more about the dangers of extreme government control, you only have to look at the 20th century. The worst examples being Nazi Germany, The Soviet Union and The Great Leap Forward.
The Future of Crypto
When the government tells us how we must trade with each other, they're limiting our freedom. To tell us what currency we must use is a huge attack on our liberty that must be taken seriously.
The future of Crypto depends on us. We must never backdown against our governments attempts to overly regulate, control or entirely ban Crypto-currencies.
Just as it seems likely governments could move to ban VPNs in the name of national security, they'll do the same with Crypto-currency.
If we're not careful, they'll claw away at our freedoms in order to protect us, until we've got nothing left. It may not happen over night, but you could wake up one day and find yourself without the freedoms you once had, wondering what went wrong.
Freedom is something you must always fight for. There will always be those who think they know better than - and look down upon - the individual.
What will the future hold for Crypto and our freedom to choose? Will we realize when it's too late?
